How to get pregnant with PCOS?

What is PCOS?

PCOS, or Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome, is a hormonal disorder that affects women. It is a hormonal imbalance when the ovaries start producing too much male hormone, which interferes with ovulation & the release of a healthy egg. Women with PCOS will experience irregular or absent periods, thereby making it difficult to predict ovulation. A woman may not ovulate regularly, which makes it difficult to conceive naturally.

Symptoms of PCOS

Common symptoms of PCOS include:

• Irregular menstrual cycle
• Missed periods
• Heavy bleeding
• Weight gain
• Hair growth on the chin and other body parts
• Oily skin or pimples
• Excessive hair loss or thinning of hair
• Decreased fertility
• Irregular ovulation
• Mood swings
• Difficulty in conceiving
• Loss of sleep or disturbed sleep

How to Boost Fertility with PCOS?

A woman with PCOS can follow the given steps to boost fertility:

• Manage a healthy weight: Some women with PCOS are overweight. Losing weight can help improve fertility and manage other PCOS symptoms. You can manage weight by doing regular exercise. Mild to moderate exercise can help build stronger muscles and can also improve overall health.
• Eat healthy food: A woman with PCOS must eat a healthy diet to get the required nutrients. Include fresh fruits and vegetables in your diet. Add whole grains such as brown rice, oats, and barley to provide fibre to the body. It is necessary when it comes to supporting digestion. Add foods such as fish, chia seeds, and avocados to give the body the nutrients required for the formation of a healthy egg.
• Maintain adequate blood sugar levels: Some women with PCOS may have high blood sugar levels. This can affect fertility in women. Maintaining balanced blood sugar levels is crucial for improving fertility and increasing the chances of conception. A doctor may suggest healthy foods and exercise so that your body can metabolise sugar properly.
• Adequate sleep: Getting 7-8 hours of sleep is essential for maintaining the health of your mind and body, which is crucial for conception. Therefore, ensure that you get proper sleep when trying to conceive.
• Stress Management: Stress increases cortisol levels that can aggravate PCOS symptoms. Therefore, use natural strategies to manage stress. You can use breathing exercises, yoga therapy, and meditation to keep your mind calm.
• Prenatal vitamins: You can also start taking prenatal vitamins to support fetal development. Folic acid, vitamin D, zinc, and B-complex vitamins help prepare your body for conception and also aid in the formation of a healthy egg. These supplements also reduce the risk of disease to the growing fetus and mother.

When should you meet a doctor?

A couple must meet a fertility specialist in the following situations:

• You have been trying to conceive for 6-12 months without success.
• Your periods are irregular or absent.
• You are above 35 years of age.
• You are suffering from thyroid problems or endometriosis.

A fertility specialist can diagnose the cause of infertility and recommend the best possible solution based on your personal history. PCOS can be managed with lifestyle and the right medical treatment. Therefore, consulting a fertility expert is essential if a woman fails to get pregnant.

Conclusion

PCOS is a hormonal condition in women that affects fertility. This syndrome does not debar you from enjoying motherhood. You can manage weight, change lifestyle, and eat a healthy and balanced diet to improve PCOS symptoms and fertility. If you fail to get pregnant by natural methods, you can consult a fertility specialist at Indira IVF, who can guide you about the advanced fertility treatments to get pregnant. Women with PCOS have a high success rate of getting pregnant when they get the right advice.